Famous Thai Lawyer Caught Trying to Flee 71 Million Baht Embezzlement Charges

Introduction

Noppadon Laohawattanakorn, a prominent Thai lawyer and former politician, was arrested on June 23, 2023, at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok while attempting to flee the country.

Noppadon is accused of embezzling 71 million baht ($2.2 million) from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) while serving as its legal advisor between 2014 and 2017.

The Charges Against Noppadon

The charges against Noppadon stem from a series of alleged fraudulent transactions that took place during his time as EGAT's legal advisor.

• Noppadon is accused of using his position to influence EGAT officials to award contracts to companies that he had financial interests in.
• He is also accused of using his position to obtain insider information about EGAT's business dealings, which he then used to profit from stock trading.
• In total, Noppadon is accused of embezzling 71 million baht from EGAT through these fraudulent transactions.

Noppadon's Arrest and Detention

Noppadon was arrested on June 23, 2023, at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok while attempting to flee the country.

He was scheduled to fly to Singapore when he was apprehended by immigration officials who had been alerted to his outstanding arrest warrant.

Noppadon is currently being detained in Bangkok pending a court hearing. He has denied the charges against him and has vowed to fight them in court.

The Impact of Noppadon's Arrest

Noppadon's arrest has sent shockwaves through Thailand's legal and political establishment.

• Noppadon is a well-known and respected lawyer who has represented some of Thailand's most powerful people.
• His arrest has raised questions about the integrity of Thailand's legal system and the level of corruption within the country's elite.
• The case is also likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections in Thailand.

Conclusion

The arrest of Noppadon Laohawattanakorn is a major development in Thailand's ongoing fight against corruption.

The case is likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections in Thailand and could lead to further arrests of high-level officials.